ALTON, Maine — The operators of Maine’s largest landfill are seeking a six-year extension to their management of the facility, drawing scrutiny from locals and environmental activists.
Casella Waste Systems runs Juniper Ridge Landfill, a sprawling complex owned by the state in Penobscot County. It saw widespread attention last year when an excess of toxic sludge at the site led to concerns over whether the landfill would remain stable.
After Governor Janet Mills signed an emergency bill last summer to loosen restrictions on out-of-state waste, Casella found success using processed construction debris from outside of Maine to bulk up the sludge. Locals fear if this continues it will inhibit the use of the landfill by future generations of Mainers.
"They are filling that resource just about as fast as they can," Peter Crockett, a retired pipe fitter from Argyle Township said Monday. "I believe there’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t belong in there."
Though the sludge emergency has passed, a spokesperson for Casella says the company still relies on out-of-state construction waste to control the landfill.
Activists fighting against Casella’s contract extension over Juniper Ridge say this method is unnecessary.
"We believe that there's enough waste in Maine we can use to create landfill stability than having to truck in out-of-state waste to do so," Dana Colihan, co-executive director of the firm Slingshot, said Monday.
But the company insists the strategies it uses to stabilize Juniper Ridge are exactly why a contract extension is in order.
"Extending the operating service agreement is a necessity at this time to make sure Maine has the ability to manage its waste," Jeff Weld, a representative from Casella, added.
Right now, Casella has 10 years left in its agreement with the state. If granted the six-year extension, the company would oversee Juniper Ridge until 2040.
So far, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services says Casella has honored its current operating agreement.
A public hearing on the proposed six-year extension to Casella’s contract had been scheduled for Jan. 25 but was rescheduled to Feb. 15. The hearing will be held in the Eastern and Veterans Room at Jeff’s Catering, located at 15 Event Center Way in Brewer.